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Michael J. Wargo 1951-2013

It is with great sadness that we note the unexpected passing of
Mike Wargo, Chief Exploration Scientist for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD). Mike was a leading contributor to NASA's human lunar and planetary exploration program. He was involved in many lunar missions, including Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the LCROSS satellite. In his nearly two decades at NASA, he received numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and seven group achievement awards. He worked tirelessly to integrate science community input into human exploration planning as the primary interface with NASA's Mars, Lunar, and Small Bodies Assessment Groups. His openness, enthusiasm and energy will be sorely missed. More extensive memoria may be found at:http://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/wargo/

NASA is asking the International Astronomical Union to name a crater on the moon in his honor "so his name will be forever enshrined in the heavens." Gifts may be made to MIT in memory of Michael Wargo for the Department of Materials Science Endowed Fellowship Fund by contacting Bonny Kellerman, bonnyk@mit.edu or at 617-253-9722.